Police, firefighters split over choice for Evansville mayor | VIDEO

Mayoral candidate Rick Davis (D) responds to the question: What are the benefits and roadblocks to government consolidation?

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Mayoral candidate Lloyd Winnecke (R) responds to the question: What are the benefits and roadblocks to government consolidation?

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EVANSVILLE - Groups representing Evansville's public safety agencies picked different candidates as their choices to be the city's next mayor.

Tuesday afternoon, the Evansville Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police announced Republican mayoral hopeful Lloyd Winnecke as its choice in this year's election.

On Sept. 15, the Evansville Professional Firefighters chose DemocratRick Davis.

Leaders from both groups said their choices for mayor and City Council positions were nonpartisan and selected for their belief in preserving public safety.

Mike Dickinson, co-chair of the Professional Firefighters political action committee said the mayor has an impact on several facets of their careers.

"Obviously whoever runs the city is important to us because they're going to be the decision makers," Dickinson said. "They're dealing with our jobs, our equipment, our contracts and our fire stations."

FOP President D.J. Thompson said another isssue was how a candidate would help the city grow. With the economic downturn tightening the purse strings of government coffers, the choice has become even more important, Thompson said.

"After spending almost two years on our contract we realize we need candidates who are going to grow the city," he said. "If the city doesn't grow, it doesn't matter how well we do or who we endorse."

Like other candidates who also won endorsements, Davis said he was humbled and stressed the importance of public safety in the community.

"Public safety is the number one role of government, period, end of story," Davis said. "To have an organization like Professional Firefighters Local 357 endorse me means the world, and I am truly honored and humbled to have their support."

Davis also said he felt his opposition to right to work legislation also was key.

Winnecke said his efforts to reach out to law enforcement on a personal level helped convey his commitment.

"It's an endorsement I think every officeholder covets," Winnecke said. "People know the great sacrifice the men and women of law enforcement put forth every day.